Job Discussion Forums

[exprexzate]

Hello, I recently started looking for work as an English Teacher in China and have gotten a bunch of responses for recruiters, now I don't know what to look for in reference to a teaching position in China. Can anybody advice me?

What parts of China are good to consider to live as a foreigner?

What should I look for about salary, hours, living situation?

What is the hiring process (documentation, etc.) to become an English teacher and what should I look for in a contract?

Veronica

[Non Sequitur]

Are you qualified in any way?
If you have any kind of ESL or other teacher training, then you will be aware of your interests and possibly your abilities.
Youngsters in a language school are a very different proposition from uni/college students, or indeed adult learners.
I think I need an:
'I am a xx year old native speaking (nationality). I have a B? in xx and have just completed an online cert in xx..'
No quals or exp will really cut down your options to near zero - although this being China you never talk in absolutes.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

We really don't know how to help you in reference to teaching in China, either.

If you are experienced and super educated, a native English speaker, and absolutely beautiful, expect a high-salaried position in an international school.

If you are none of these things, you may find work at a very low wage in a tiny city with no benefits.

Can't advice without more info.

[vikeologist]

This advice is too general, but basically

Language Mill full-time job - at least 10k

Uni job (ie part-time) 5k.

Big cities cost more. Many jobs are bad. Do your research. Better if school provide accomodation. The North is very cold in winter.

That's my 'English Teaching in China' book right there. Now I just need to find a publisher.

[7969]

[tianfuoe]

Qualified? Ha! This is China! The vast majority of all foreign teachers never taught a thing before coming here.

English as your first language, B.A/S. in any subject, pass medical exam, show up for the first day of class, be able to show two years of work experience after college as well as a position teaching anybody anything (if you taught someone at your job how to use the timeclock, then you can put that in your resume(Time Management and Human Resource Policies Instructor) and thats all the qualifications that are required by the Chinese government.

TEFL, TESOL, CELTA are icing on the cake. There may be schools that absolutely require them, but I have never heard of one. I know over 100 FT's in China and none of them have those certs.

True qualifications do not matter in China. If the school admins like you, the students like your teaching style and personality, then you will have a job for as long as you care to put up with BS.

I met a young man a few weeks ago that has been teaching in China for six years. He has a 9th grade education, a fake degree; and the school, the kids, and the parents love him! Perception is everything! Facts are meaningless!

The farther west you travel in China, the less western influence. If you are looking for a large expat population, stick with eastern China big cities.

Forget recruiters! Search out schools on your own. Look for jobs in an area that closely relates to the climate you come from so it is easier to adapt. Narrow your search to the age range that interests you. The older the students, the lower the pay....usually.

[Salvatore]

"Teaching" in China is a joke.

[Mister Al]

"Teaching" in China is a joke.

I tend to think that teachers who say that are themselves the joke. Take some pride in your work, man. Or maybe you just don't know what you are doing.

[Zero]

[Salvatore]

Mr. Al,

I've "taught" in China for 7 years. I know what I'm doing = entertaining kids for peanuts. In my opinion, unless you work at an International school or teach a subject other than "Oral English", foreigners aren't really "teaching". Granted, if you have a class of English majors, then an Oral English class is much more satisfying, even at a 3rd rate private college.

How can you "teach" Oral English? I see the job as Facilitating = get the students talking. Bear in mind, most of my experience in China has been in universities.

I'll admit, my last job has left an unpleasant taste in my month which has only intensified because of things which have happened the past month. Call me jaded.

Briefly, I worked for a 3rd rate private college in Guangdong this past year. The students could hardly say Yes or No, let alone complete a sentence.

The day that we were to begin the Final exam/chat (I talk to 2 students at a time while the others watch a movie) I changed the plan after the first pair. Basically, I asked the 1st girl - "What is your name?" She looked at me dazed and confused and her friend had to translate. The 1st girl then said with a smile "My name is Winnie Wang." (she seemed proud of herself). I then asked her - "Where are you from?" Again, a blank stare and another translation. I then said - "Ok, you're done." Then, I asked the 2nd girl, who didn't come to class often - "Why do you deserve a good grade?" She said - "My English is poor. I like to listen to you!" (Believe me, it didn't come out so easy). The 1st girl then asked - "What is my grade? Give me a good score."

At that point I changed the plan and went into class and gave a 1 hour speech about why there wouldn't be a Final because none of them deserved to pass. I clearly wrote on the board - "No Final Exam, everyone passes." After class 2 girls walked up to me and asked - "When is the final?"!!!!

For the record, during the term I once wrote several numbers on the board and most (98%) of the university students who have been taking English classes for around 10 years couldn't say the number in English.

In another class I brought some fruit. Most could say apple. Most couldn't say banana. As I typed - this past year has been hell. I could go on, or, you can read what was written about Huashang College in Zengcheng.

The best part is, the next 2 classes I played a movie and said, as well as wrote on the board, "Everyone passes with a 71. If you want to talk to me and get a higher score, come outside and talk to me." Out of 1000+ students, perhaps 50 spoke to me. The other 950 or so were happy with their 71's.

To top it off, some students said I was a bad teacher because I didn't play movies or sing songs! All they want/paid me for is to a glorified babysitter. Again - "teaching" in China is joke.

I won't bore you with the details of what has happened since a school that offered me a job in April sent me an email on May 31st saying they were sorry, the job was no longer available because the "teacher" I was to replace changed his mind and decided to return! Thanks Winnie Wang at Zhaoqing University, you're a sweetheart.

Again, "teaching" in China is a joke. It's fun, but not really real.

[Salvatore]

Finally, my advice to people interested in "teaching" in China is this -

1) work at a public university
2) ask for classes with English majors
3) if you aren't assigned English majors see #1
4) avoid private colleges; if you must work at a private school INSIST on English majors
5) think about a private training center if you really want to make a difference, but, why work 40 hours a week for perhaps 2k USD a month?
6) if you're young, come for a year or 2 and then go home; don't get stuck in a rut
7) if you're old (50+), enjoy yourself!
Good Luck!

[Miles Smiles]

Veronica,

Do your homework. Don't expect others to do it for you. If you aren't resourceful enough to use the internet, you aren't resourceful enough to teach.

No offense intended, but what I say is true.

[jibbs]

"Qualified? Ha! This is China! The vast majority of all foreign teachers never taught a thing before coming here."

The vast majority? I find that hard to believe. Most people I've met have taught before coming to China.

[MisterButtkins]

[choudoufu]

teachin' qualifications means just what exactly? that you are
able to teach effectively? or that you managed to sleepwalk
through a training program?

coming from the usa, i can't say much positive 'bout the quality
of public school teachers. or university perfessers. most of the
instructors i had seemed to be filling in time until retirement.
reciting the same old lessons. more babysittin' than teachin.'

but they was all certified and qualified. rarely capable, though.